$1.3 Million Remodeling Project Under Way At Pinewood Care Center

As I adjust my trifocals, exercise to loosen my arthritic neck, walk briskly to strengthen my newly ligamented knee and faithfully take my Zantac for a touchy tummy, I admit I’m getting older.

Indeed, this summer I hit the Big 5-0. With this, I’ve grown accustomed to the fact that most of my classmates are grandparents. However, I am bothered that most people think I am older than my 56-year-old sister. (But I don’t color my 30-something gray hairs.)

Yes, I have become more aware of retirement centers and nursing homes - not for myself, of course. I’m concerned for my editors.

As we all slowly age, these facilities become more plentiful - and we tend to notice them more. This awareness also is boosted by the influx of retirees to North Idaho.

In facing the competition for new clients and meeting the needs of its current residents, Pinewood Care Center of Coeur d’Alene has begun a $1.3 million remodeling project.

Included will be a face lift and new look for the entire facility, new atrium entry, activity and dining areas and major changes in the physical therapy units, kitchen, administration and support areas.

“The entire facility will have a new look,” said administrator Vic Wallner. “This will enhance the environment for the residents and the staff.”

Pinewood was built at 28,000 square feet in 1962 and was remodeled in the 1970s and 1980s. It offers 107 beds, with four to be added to the Alzheimer’s unit in the remodeling.

Owned by WelCare International, which has its headquarters in Atlanta, Pinewood has about 100 employees. Contracted to The Hill Group of Fort Smith, Ark., the project at 2514 Seventh should be completed in March.

Ironically, a family that once owned Pinewood Care Center is involved in a new building named in the same list of Coeur d’Alene building permits as the Pinewood project.

Brian Morris and his father, Don Morris, are constructing a 6,000-square-foot commercial building at 6190 Sunshine, just north of the Silverlake Motel.

The Morrises are seeking compatible retail or office tenants for spaces that may be adjusted to fit the needs. Designed by Bill Dahlberg and built by Beck Contracting, the building should be complete in April.

The owners have completely leased the neighboring 8,000-square-foot building.

They formerly owned Sunset Terrace nursing home and the Kootenai Medical Center extended care facility as well as Pinewood. Brian is with Hope Realty and has an interest in Camlu Retirement Center. The Morris family came to North Idaho in 1966 from Pasco.

Beck Contracting also is the builder of a 3,680-square-foot facility under construction at 4926 E. Industrial in the Coeur d’Alene Industrial Park. The business is Hagby USA, a hydraulic core mining drill sales and service business.

Many of these drills wouldn’t fit in dad’s workshop. Model 1003 is 10 to 12 feet long and a foot wide. The drills are crafted in Sweden, original home of Hagby owner Svante Andersson. The drills are marketed throughout the world.

Hagby will move from 7950 Meadowlark Way to the new building in February.

Two new businesses, Michel’s Restaurant and the Back Home Market, are planned for the property between the Sleep Inn and Jack-in-the-Box on Railroad Avenue in Post Falls.

Michel’s will offer home-cooked, cafeteria-style food with fresh salads, roasted meats and low-fat items as well as a take-out station. The 3,200-square-foot building will seat 96 people for all three meals.

The Back Home Market will include the miniature line of products of Holiday DeLites, indoor and outdoor holiday displays for every season and products such as crafts and produce from local vendors.

Originally from Minnesota, owners Tom and Vickie Michels came to North Idaho in 1991. They have a seasonal Holiday DeLites retail store at Sprague and McDonald in Spokane.

Ground breaking for about 13,500 additional square feet of convention space was Tuesday at the Coeur d’Alene Inn and Conference Center (the Holiday Inn at 414 W. Appleway).

Another Hagadone Hospitality project is under way with convention space being added to the south of the existing space at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Neither project will include new guest rooms.

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The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Nils Rosdahl The Spokesman-Review